Juneteenth

Summary

History Daily: Juneteenth Episode Summary

Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham
Produced by: Airship, Noiser, Wondery

---

Introduction

On this special episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into the profound significance of Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. Through poignant storytelling and historical analysis, Lindsay brings to life the events of June 19, 1865, a pivotal moment in American history.

---

The Story of William Moore

[00:26] William Moore

The narrative begins on a warm fall day in 1864 at a sheep farm in Mexia, Texas, where nine-year-old William Moore, an enslaved shepherd, showcases both innocence and resilience. While tending to sheep, William's day takes a tragic turn when he hears his mother’s anguished scream. Rushing to her aid, he witnesses Tom Waller, the farmer, brutally whipping his mother.

In a moment of desperation and bravery, William “picks up a rock and flings it” at Waller, incapacitating him and attempting to free his mother. The situation escalates when Mary Waller, Tom’s daughter, unexpectedly intervenes, assisting William in releasing his mother and helping them flee the farm. This act of unexpected kindness marks the beginning of a journey toward freedom for William and his mother.

---

The Civil War Context

[04:05] Lindsey Graham

The backdrop of this personal struggle is the broader context of the American Civil War. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, which declared the freedom of over 3.5 million enslaved individuals in Confederate states, enforcement was inconsistent. Texas, as one of the last holdout states, remained largely unaffected by the proclamation until Union forces made significant advances.

Lindsay highlights that Tom Waller, unable to resist the changing tides of war, relocates his operations to Texas, aiming to escape the reach of Union soldiers and maintain his control over enslaved workers like William and his family.

---

General Granger’s Role

[10:19] William Moore

As the Civil War draws to a close, Union Major General Gordon Granger emerges as a pivotal figure in enforcing emancipation in Texas. Following the fall of Fort Blakely and the surrender of Confederate forces, Granger is appointed to oversee Union control in Texas. His mission is to implement the Emancipation Proclamation in a state that has long resisted its implications.

On June 19, 1865, Granger issues General Order No. 3, which “declares that the enslaved population of the United States is now free”. This order is disseminated through newspapers and posters across Texas, finally informing the last enslaved people of their freedom.

---

The Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3

[10:19] William Moore

The episode underscores the delayed impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, which relied heavily on Union military presence for enforcement. General Order No. 3 serves as the definitive announcement of freedom for Texas's enslaved population, making June 19, 1865, a landmark date that would later be celebrated annually as Juneteenth.

William Moore's personal journey—from being enslaved to becoming a fugitive—mirrors the broader struggle for freedom faced by countless African Americans. His family's cautious transition from fear to hope encapsulates the mixed emotions of liberation amidst lingering threats.

---

Establishment of Juneteenth

[16:40] William Moore

Following the issuance of General Order No. 3, William and his mother continue to navigate their newfound freedom cautiously. They remain in hiding, distrusting immediate reliance on their former enslaver, Tom Waller, fearing a return to oppression. Their eventual decision to leave the Waller farm signifies a step towards self-determination and the slow dismantling of institutionalized slavery.

The episode emphasizes that while Juneteenth marks a significant milestone, the path to true freedom and equality was, and continues to be, fraught with challenges. The slow pace of change and lingering resistance from some enslavers highlight the enduring legacy of slavery in American society.

---

Conclusion

[08:49] Lindsey Graham

Lindsay Graham concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Juneteenth. She acknowledges that while General Order No. 3 was a monumental step towards the abolition of slavery, the struggle for freedom and equality persists. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of resilience, the fight for justice, and the ongoing journey toward a more equitable society.

“The day will come to be known as Juneteenth and will be celebrated every year on the anniversary of General Granger's decree when the enslaved population of the last holdout state learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865,” Graham states, encapsulating the episode's central theme of liberation and remembrance.

---

Production Credits

This episode of History Daily was hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsay Graham. The production team included audio editing by Mohammed Shazia, sound design by Molly Bach, supervising sound designer Matthew Filler, and music by Thrum. The episode was written and researched by Owen Paul Nichols, edited by Scott Reeves, with managing producer Molly Burke, and executive producer William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.

---

Join us next time on History Daily as we continue to explore the defining moments that have shaped our world, one day at a time.

Transcript

[Lindsey Graham]

There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history [e-mail].

[William Moore]

It's a warm fall day in 1864 on a sheep farm in Mexia, Texas. Nine year old enslaved shepherd William Moore taps a wooden stick on a fence as he steers a dozen sheep into a pen. After securing the gate, William slowly heads back toward the farmhouse, swishing the stick as though it's an imaginary sword. But his playful mood is broken by an agonizing scream from the far side of the building. William knows the voice instantly. It's his mother. William sprints around the house to find his mother bound to a tree, a bloody stripe across her bare back. Standing over her is the farmer Tom Waller, whip in hand. He raises the whip high into the air, ready to strike again. But without thinking of the consequences, William picks up a rock and flings it at him. Waller crumples to the ground, bleeding from where the rock struck him. William then rushes to his mother. He tries to untie the rope that's bound her to the tree, but but the knots are stuck fast. Then he hears footsteps behind him. William turns to see Mary Waller, his enslaver's daughter, hustling down from the farmhouse porch. If Mary saw William throw the stone, he's as good as dead. But to William's surprise, Mary ignores her bleeding father and helps him loosen the knots that tie his mother. Once William's mother is free, Mary eases her to her feet and pulls her clothes back on. Then she hurries the mother and son away from the farmhouse and and into a new life as fugitives. More than a year after the Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery in the United States, many black workers like William Moore and his mother are still trapped in servitude. But the American Civil War will soon be over, and as the last Confederate resistance melts away, the enslaved people of Texas will finally be told that they are free. On June 19, 1865.

[Capital One Advertiser]

With the Spark CashPlus card from Capital One, you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. And you get big purchasing power so your business can spend more and earn more. Steven, Brandon and Bruno, the business owners of Sandcloud, reinvested their 2% cash back to help build their retail presence. Now that's serious business. What could the SparkCash plus card from Capital One do for your business Capital One what's in your wallet? Find out more at capitalone.com sparkcashplus Terms.

[Lindsey Graham]

Apply history Daily is sponsored by A Truby. Lately you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr Cardiac Amyloidosis, or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed. But learning more about ATTRCM and a treatment called a truby, also called Acharamatis, could be important for you or a loved one. A ATRUBY is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking a truby saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take a truby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, and about the medications you take. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. And if you have attrcm, talk to your cardiologist about attruby or visit attruby.com that's attruby.com to learn more.

[William Moore]

From Noiser and Airship. I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History Daily. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day, we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is June 19, 1865 Juneteenth. It's summer 1863 in Mexia, Texas, a year before William Moore saves his mother from their enslaver's whip. Eight year old William warily climbs down from the covered wagon where he spent most of the last two weeks. He shields his eyes from the bright sun, and as his vision adjusts, William sees a large farmhouse before him. His enslaver, Tom Waller, ushers his wife and daughters toward their new home and out of the scorching heat. But William knows he'll never see the inside of this grand house. When the Waller family are out of sight, a white overseer roughly pushes William away from the farmhouse. The overseer leads William and Tom Waller's other enslaved workers to a line of log cabins in a distant corner of the farm. William's nose wrinkles from the damp smell. When he sticks his head inside, there's no furniture, just piles of straw to sleep on. With a sigh, he slumps down into a corner and daydreams about the handmade toys that he was forced to Leave behind back in their old home in Alabama. But his mother soon rouses him and pushes him out the door. None of them have any time to rest. Like everyone else, young William will be expected to work. Just as William didn't want to leave the familiarity of his own home, Tom Waller didn't want to relocate from Alabama either. But recent developments in the American Civil War made staying there impossible. Six months ago, US President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This executive order officially freed more than 3.5 million enslaved people living in the secessionist Confederate states. This proclamation could only be enforced in states occupied by Union soldiers. But after decisive defeats for the Confederacy in Mississippi and Georgia, Tom Waller realized that time was not on his side. He needed to get out of Alabama before Union soldiers arrived and confiscated his enslaved workers. So Tom fixed his sights on Texas as a refuge. He packed up everything he could, purchased a new farm 500 miles away in Bahia, and set out in a wagon train for a fresh start. In the days that follow their arrival in Texas, William Moore and Tom Waller's other enslaved workers discover that life in their new home is little different than the one they left behind in Alabama. Just as before, Tom Waller runs his farm with an iron fist. A few weeks after settling down in Bahia, Tom punishes a man by flogging him with a whip, then pouring salt into the wounds. And despite his injuries, the man is put straight back to work in the fields. And for the next week, William sees the young man's shirt sticking to his back as the lacerations reopen and bleed. So William and his family try to avoid Tom Waller's anger at all costs. They keep their heads down and get on with their worth. But after almost a year in Texas, Tom's temper snaps. After eating a meal that William's mother had prepared, he declares that the food isn't good enough and drags William's mother from the house. He ties her to a tree and then begins a brutal whipping. When William intervenes to save his mother, he knocks Tom out with a rock. But William instantly realizes that his actions have endangered his life. If Tom Waller gets his hands on William now, he'll probably kill him and his mother, too. They have no choice but to run. And with the surprising help of Tom's daughter Mary, William and his mother flee into the nearby woods. Over the next few days, William and his mother hide out among the trees. They watch as a furious Tom Waller searches the farm for them. A shotgun in hand, William and his mother consider running to the north. But that's hundreds of miles away and with no idea in which direction to head, they decide it's less risky to just hide in the woods. So every night when darkness falls, they slip back to the slave quarters on the farm for food and shelter. But by the time dawn breaks, William and his mother are back in the woods among the safety of the trees. There, mother and son will remain, living the secretive lives of runaways until news breaks. That changes not just William's life, but the life of every single enslaved worker on Tom Waller's farm.

[Lindsey Graham]

History Daily is sponsored by Indeed. In your business, you're likely working hard to slowly move people through what they call the funnel, from awareness to consideration to conversion. But have you ever thought that's the exact same funnel you have to move people through when hiring? Make them aware of your job, get them to consider applying, then convert them into a great new hire. But why move them slowly? Indeed is all you need to fill your funnel fast.

[William Moore]

Because in the minute I've been Talking.

[Lindsey Graham]

To you, 23 hires were made on Indeed, according to Indeed Data Worldwide and with Sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. There's no reason to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed, and listeners of the show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com OnThisDay just go to Indeed.com OnThisDay right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com onthisday Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[CareCredit Advertiser]

How much do I love dogs? This much you can't see because this is an audio ad, but I'm holding my hands really far apart to show that I love dogs an awful lot. You know what else I love an awful lot? CareCredit. You can use the CareCredit credit card to pay for your dog's vet care or for your own dental, vision and more. At over 270,000 locations, CareCredit offers flexible financing for health and wellness for pets and people. I give it two thumbs and 3.5 paws up.

Visit carecredit.com to apply and find a location near you.

[William Moore]

Subject to credit approval. It's the afternoon of April 9, 1865 in Baldwin county in the south of Alabama. A year after William Moore and his mother became fugitives. 44 year old Union Major General Gordon Granger ducks as he makes his way through a web of trenches. In the distance, a shell explodes. Although General Granger has no idea whether it's from his own guns or from the Confederates. A week ago, Union forces approached Fort Blakely, a Confederate fort at the entrance to Mobile Bay. It's the last defense stopping the Union army from capturing this important port. But the Confederate defenders weren't prepared to give up without a fight. The Union army laid siege to the fort, ringing it with earthworks. But the Confederates responded by digging trenches in front the of under the fort's walls. Now, the two sides are within a thousand yards of each other. But the Union soldiers can't get any closer without coming under fire from the cannons on the fort's walls. As General Granger reaches a lookout point, he slowly lifts his head above the trench. There's nothing between him and the Confederate lines but open ground. Any attempt to cross it is bound to take heavy casualties. But that's exactly what General Granger has been ordered to do. So after one last examination of the enemy defenses, General Granger gives the order to attack. His Union soldiers climb out of their trenches and head toward the Confederate line. But they're sitting ducks. The cannons on Fort Blakely open fire. Landmines laid by the Confederates explode when unwary Union soldiers step on them. And the few soldiers that manage to make it to the Confederate lines are soon picked off by rifle fire. But despite the bloodshed, General Granger's orders are still they must take the fort at any cost. So as Granger watches the attack falter, he orders reinforcements to join the assault. Union soldiers outnumber the confederates by 10 to 1, and gradually, their superior numbers begin to make a difference. Union men reach the Confederate line and gain a foothold in the enemy trenches. And for 30 minutes, brutal hand to hand combat rages as the two sides battle for Confederacy control of the earthworks. Eventually, the Confederate soldiers lay down their weapons, opening the way for the Union army to take control of Fort Blakely, the port of Mobile, and the entire state of Alabama. A few hours later, news reaches General Granger of another Confederate surrender that's been secured. On the same day, several hundred miles to the northeast, Confederate commander General Robert E. Lee has been defeated at the battle of Appomattox. So that evening, the surviving Union soldiers under General Granger's command enjoy a double celebration. Their own victory at the battle of Blakely and the surrender of the Confederacy's most feared general at Appomattox. But even though the end of the Civil War is almost at hand, Granger knows that his time in uniform will likely continue. Union soldiers will be needed to keep the peace in the Rebel states. And sure enough, within two months of the Battle of Blakely, every Confederate general has followed Lee's example and surrendered. With the war over, General Granger is appointed to a new command. He's given control of Union forces in the District of Texas, and it's a tough assignment. During the war, Texas was seen as a safe haven for Southern farmers and plantation owners who wanted to escape the fighting in neighboring states. And until now, they've ignored Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, keeping it secret from their enslaved workers. It will be up to Granger to reveal the truth and enforce the President's authority. So General Granger sets up his headquarters in the Texas city of Galveston on the coast. His first priority is to impose Union control on a hostile population who were mostly staunch supporters of the Confederacy. But General Granger knows exactly how to get the point across that the Union has won. On June 19, 1865, General Granger issues a military decree. His General Order no. 3 is short and to the point. It declares that the enslaved population of the United States is now free and that formerly enslaved workers in Texas should now be paid a fair wage for the work that they do. General Granger's order will be printed in dozens of Texas newspapers, and Union soldiers will paste it on hundreds of posters all around the state. No longer will the enslaved people of Texas be kept in the dark about the Emancipation Proclamation. And at last, the final stronghold of slavery in the the United States will fall.

[Saks Advertiser]

This episode is sponsored by Saks. Ooh, do I have some news for all the fashion lovers out there. Saks Fifth Avenue has arrived on Amazon, bringing you an incredible selection of designer brands like Balmain, Stella McCartney, Erdem, Etro, Dolce and Gabbana and Giambattista Valli all at your fingertips. From women's and men's fashion to style, stunning handbags, shoes, beauty products and accessories, Saks on Amazon is your new destination for luxury shopping. Looking for the perfect wedding guest outfit? Planning a vacation? Need to refresh your weekend wardrobe? Saks expertly curated edits have got you covered. Experience the ease of shopping. Premier luxury brands through Amazon's seamless personalized platform. Get the Saks designer brands you love delivered just like that. New on Amazon.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

Hi Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.

[Zoe Saldana]

Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

You don't need a trade in when you switch to T Mobile. We'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you Pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.

[Zoe Saldana]

There's always a trade in.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

Not right now. @ T Mobile.

[Zoe Saldana]

I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

That's okay.

[Zoe Saldana]

I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

I'm good. Seriously.

[Zoe Saldana]

Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.

[T Mobile Advertiser]

Really, I'm fine.

[Zoe Saldana]

Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.

[CareCredit Advertiser]

It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile, get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your Phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line $100 plus a month on experience beyond finance agreement. $999.99 and qualifying. Boarded for well qualified plus tax and $10 connection charge. Payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits end in balance due if you pay off early or Cancel.

[William Moore]

See T mobile.com it's the evening of June 19, 1865 in Mejia, Texas, only hours after General Order Number 3 was published. Ten year old William Moore sits high among the branches in the woods at the back of Tom Waller's farm. From here, he can see the tree where his mother was whipped almost a year ago. Ever since that fateful day, William and his mother have lived in the woods, never straying more than a few miles from their old home. Although both were tempted to strike north in search of true freedom, neither wanted to leave behind the rest of their family. So they stayed hidden in the woods. And when night fell each day, they crept back to the farm. Tom Waller was never the wiser. But as William enjoys the cool breeze high in the treetops, he spots his sister running from the farm and toward the woods. She's shouting his name. William hurries down from the tree and dashes toward her, telling her to keep her voice down. But his sister is grinning. She tells William not to worry. She has spectacular news. Earlier today, the union general Gordon Granger issued a decree declaring that all enslaved workers in Texas are now free. Word has spread quickly throughout the state, and a few moments ago, a newspaper carrying the order reached the Wallers farm. This news upends a way of life that enslavers and their workers have known for generations. But William and his mother continue to hide out until they're sure that Tom Waller no longer has any rights to them. And a few days later, they learn that Tom has reluctantly agreed to pay wages to the workers on his farm. But William and his mother refuse to take Tom's money, believing he'll soon return to his old ways. So they leave the Waller farm and never return. William and his mother were right to be suspicious. Many enslaved workers will remain in bondage for a long time to come. Some plantation owners will continue to conceal the Emancipation Proclamation from their work workers and will only free them when union soldiers force them to. Others will pay the bare minimum in wages and threaten their former slaves with retribution if they seek better pay and conditions elsewhere. But despite the slow pace of change, General Order no. 3 will mark an important moment in the history of the United States. The day will come to be known as Juneteenth and will be celebrated every year on the anniversary of General Granger's decree when the insurance the enslaved population of the last holdout state learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Next on History Daily, June 20, 1975 Steven Spielberg's Jaws is released in theaters and becomes the highest grossing movie in history. Foreign Noiser and Airshift this is History Daily. Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammed Shazia Sound design by Molly Bach Supervising Sound designer Matthew Filler Music by Thrum this episode is written and researched by Owen Paul Nichols Edited by Scott Reeves Managing producer and Molly Burke Executive producer William Simpson for Airship the Pascal Hughes for Nouser.

[Chico Felitti]

Everyone has that friend who seems kind of perfect for Patty. That friend was Desiree. Until one day I texted her and.

[Saks Advertiser]

She was not getting the text. So I went to Instagram. She has no Instagram anymore. And Facebook. No Facebook anymore.

[Chico Felitti]

Desiree was gone. And there was one person who knew the answer.

[William Moore]

I am a spiritual person, a magical person, a witch.

[Chico Felitti]

A gorgeous Brazilian influencer called Kat Taurus, but who was hiding a secret from Wondery. Based on my smash hit podcast, From Brazil comes a new series, Don't Cross Cat, about a search that led me to a mystery in a Texas suburb. I'm calling to check on the two missing Brazilian girl.

[William Moore]

Maybe get some undercover crew there.

[Zoe Saldana]

The family are freaking out.

[William Moore]

They are lost.

[Chico Felitti]

I'm Chico Felitti. You can listen to Don't Cross Cat on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.